Statement of Good Teaching Practices

Informing his or her students at the beginning of the course of the objectives, content, assignments, policy on return of student work, and examination procedure in each course;

Explaining at the beginning of the course the methods by which the instructor determines the final grade in the course;

Insuring that all materials assigned are equally available to all students in the course;

Informing students of the generally accepted conclusion on the subject matter of the course when those conclusions differ from the conclusions of the instructor;

Giving adequate advance notice of major papers and major examinations in the course;

Providing assignments to permit students to benefit from evaluative experiences during the course;

Being fair and impartial in evaluating all student performances, i.e., evaluating all students according to common criteria;

Allowing students to review papers and examinations in a timely manner after they have been evaluated. This does not necessarily mean that students will be permitted to retain exams and/or papers.

Making oneself available for conferences during announced, regular office hours;

Treating students with courtesy and respect at all times. Courtesy and respect do not prohibit strong criticism directed at the student's academic errors and scholarly responsibilities.

Endeavoring to insure that the learning environment is free from sexism, racism, and other forms of prejudice that negatively influence student learning.

Adhering to the "Statement on Professional Ethics" of the Miami University Policy and Information Manual 4.03, including subsection B:

As a teacher, the professor encourages the free pursuit of learning in their students. The teacher holds before them the best scholarly standards of their discipline. They demonstrate respect for the student as an individual and adhere to their proper role as intellectual guide and counselor. Professors make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to assure that their evaluation of students reflects their true merit. The faculty member respects the confidential nature of the relationship between professor and student. They avoid any exploitation of students for their private advantage and acknowledge significant assistance from them. The professor protects their academic freedom. No faculty member shall be obliged to make the academic work of students available for inspection by any third party in the absence of compulsory legal process or bona fide academic affairs or the express written consent of the student
(Approved by University Senate February 22, 1983).

University Statement Asserting Respect for Human Diversity

Miami University is a multi-cultural community of diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds, national origins, religious and political beliefs, physical abilities, ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Our educational activities and everyday interactions are enriched by our acceptance of one another; and, as members of the University community, we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.

Because of the necessity to maintain this atmosphere, bigotry will not go unchallenged within this community. We will strive to educate each other on the existence and effects of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, religious intolerance, and other forms of invidious prejudice. When such prejudice results in physical or psychological abuse, harassment, intimidation, or violence against persons or property, we will not tolerate such behavior nor will we accept jest, ignorance, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for it.

All who work, live, study, and teach in the Miami community should be committed to these principles, which are an integral part of Miami's focus, goals, and mission.

NOTE: This statement was adopted from one written and published by the University of Southern California, Student Affairs Division. Miami University is grateful to the University of Southern California for allowing us to use their statement as a model.

Department of Engineering Technology

Engineering Technology (ENT) is committed to providing quality education in engineering. Flexible course scheduling allows many of our students to work full time. In addition to offering classes in Hamilton and Middletown, ENT's Distance Learning program delivers courses to students in 10 colleges in Ohio.